Alabama Opens New Archery Park

Alabama’s eighth community archery park will hold its grand opening at 10 a.m. on Oct. 12 in Ozark, offering multiple ranges and distances for adults and youth.

The facility has an eight-target adult range from 15 to 50 yards, an eight-target youth range of five to 20 yards, a four-target range of 10 to 40 yards with a 15-foot platform and an 8-target walking course. It is located in Sam Dale Park, which is adjacent to Ed Lisenby Lake, one mile north of Roy Parker Road on Myrtle Drive.

The Ozark archery park joins seven others currently in operation including Athens, Cullman, Dothan, Demopolis, Decatur, Heflin and Lincoln. One more is under construction in Tuscaloosa. These facilities are one component of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources effort to increase awareness and participation in the life skill of archery.

The park will be open year-round during daylight hours for recreational shooting, competitive tournaments and outdoor educational programming.

Day use of the park is free for those under 16 years of age or over 65 years of age. Alabamians ages 16 to 64 must have a Hunting license, Wildlife Management Area license, or Wildlife Heritage license in order to shoot. For non-residents, an annual Wildlife Management Area license or non-resident hunting license is required. Licenses are available from various local retailers or online at www.outdooralabama.com.

In 2013, the Ozark Parks and Recreation Department will offer archery classes at the park. For more information, contact the Ozark Department of Leisure Services at 334-774-2523.

The Ozark Community Archery Park was made possible by the following sponsors: ADCNR’s Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Archery Trade Association and the City of Ozark.